Deployable Pedal Assembly for Manual-Autonomous Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal assemblies in vehicles do not accommodate the transition between manual and autonomous driving modes, lacking a mechanism to adjust pedal positions accordingly, which can hinder space utilization and driver convenience.
Innovation Solution
A deployable pedal assembly that includes an actuator to adjust the position of accelerator and brake pedal arms between an operating position for manual driving and a stowed position for autonomous driving, providing additional foot space by retracting the pedals behind the instrument panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal assembly is fixed in the operating position, then the driver can easily operate the pedals in manual driving mode, but the space utilization is reduced when the vehicle operates in autonomous driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position. The actuator mechanism enables the pedal arm to move between the operating position (for manual driving) and the stowed position (for autonomous driving), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the driving mode. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both full pedal operability when needed and maximum foot space when the vehicle operates autonomously.
2Volume of moving object
If the pedal assembly is retracted to the stowed position, then the space utilization is improved for autonomous driving mode, but the ease of operation is reduced for manual driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pedal assembly position based on driving mode requirements. When autonomous driving is active, the actuator retracts the pedal arm to the stowed position, maximizing foot space. When manual driving is detected, the pedal arm returns to the operating position, ensuring full operability. This conditional dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing space utilization only when operational requirements permit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable mechanism is added to the pedal assembly, then the adaptability between driving modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the pedal arm position between operating and stowed configurations, enables transition between manual and autonomous driving modes, and optimizes both space utilization and operational accessibility. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the patent achieves high adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with an actuator-based mechanism (likely electric or electro-hydraulic) to control pedal arm positioning. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical components, simplifies the overall structure, and enables precise control of the pedal assembly position, thereby achieving mode adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal assembly for a vehicle comprises an accelerator pedal assembly having an accelerator pedal arm and an accelerator pedal mounting bracket; a brake pedal assembly having a brake pedal arm and a brake pedal mounting bracket; and an actuator. The actuator is operatively connected to the accelerator pedal assembly and the brake pedal assembly. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of the corresponding pedal arm relative to its corresponding mounting bracket between an operating position for when the vehicle is in the non-autonomous driving mode and a non-operating, stowed position for when the vehicle is in the autonomous driving mode. The non-operating, stowed position is at a raised position with respect to the operating position.